Klockner Pentaplast Debuts Next Gen Blister Design Service

Klöckner Pentaplast is introducing the next generation of its blister design service, Pentapharm BlisterPro at PackExpo Las Vegas.

Additionally at the show, the company is highlighting the results of a kp eyetracking study conducted by Clemson University’s CUShop that evaluates how different styles of packaging influence customer point-of-sale behavior.

Among a range of new products on display are kp’s Pentaform SmartCycle 100% post-consumer-recycled (PCR) content films designed to help customers meet sustainability goals for visual packaging applications.

The capabilities of Pentapharm BlisterPro have been expanded to include new design and optimization services for the pharmaceutical packaging industry. Offered with the Klöckner Pentaplast Blister Technology Center, Pentapharm BlisterPro allows package designers, technicians, and engineers to explore the effects of tool geometry, film types, and process conditions as well as predict the protective barrier properties of the final package without running expensive and time consuming line trials.

The next generation further expedites the package development cycle by combining BlisterPro finite element analysis simulations with actual tool design, fabrication, and package production.

The next generation’s capabilities are supported by a new state-of-the-art blister packaging machine and an in-house CNC (computer numerical control) machine allowing for rapid prototype package sample production. Designs are created, analyzed, and optimized by the BlisterPro software solution and the exact final design is directly transmitted to the CNC machine for tool fabrication.

In addition, there are the added capabilities of rapid response to sample requirements; modeling and production of multiple cavity designs on a single tool for comparative analysis and testing; and evaluation of stability packaging components by analyzing the differences between stability and production tools including proper safety margins to account for differences among machinery and mold combinations.

“The next generation of Pentapharm BlisterPro was developed to meet our customers’ requirements for enhanced innovative technical support that gives their products a competitive and cost-effective edge,” said Charles Baechler, Klöckner Pentaplast’s group vice president of pharmaceutical films. “Along with our existing technical capabilities and support team, this upgraded service demonstrates our commitment to the industry by providing the very best in original and creative technical solutions.”

The company has announced the line of SmartCycle post-consumer recycled (PCR) content polyester films produced in North America has been granted a “Certificate of Verification” by NSF International, an independent, third party, not-for-profit organization. The certificate verifies the recycled content claims of kp’s line of SmartCycle polyester films produced in North America and allows customers who use these films to be confident that the PCR-content claim is true and valid.

The Pentaform SmartCycle film product line has been extended to include Pentaform SmartCycle PET films consisting of 100% post-consumer-recycled (PCR) content. Unlike standard PCR films available in the market today which combine PCR content and virgin resin, Pentaform SmartCycle TH-ES100 films are made from 100% PCR from beverage bottles.

The films--for use in face-seal, tray, and trapped blister thermoformed applications--offer exceptional clarity and processability on standard thermoforming and form/fill/seal equipment, the company said.

The Klöckner Pentaplast Group recently announced it has added to global production capacity in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The company is investing €45.6 Mio as part of its 2013 and 2014 expansion plans, which include facilities in Cotia, Brazil; Suzhou, China; Newport/Crumlin, Great Britain; and Santo Tirso, Portugal. 142 highly skilled employees are being added worldwide.